The Upward Bound Program (UB) is a federally funded program in a cluster of programs referred to as TRIO. The TRIO programs began after the enactment of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Grand Valley State University has received continual funding for the TRIO UB Program since 1978. 

The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound program is designed to assist high school students from traditionally underserved backgrounds reach their potential by earning a college degree. UB serves high school students from low-income families and who are first-generation college students (their parents did not graduate from college with a bachelo's degree), and primarily supports students at Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Innovation Central and Union High Schools. 

UB provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their high school performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The goal of UB is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Program Highlights

The Team 

The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Program is funded to serve 100 students at Union High School and Central High School. Both schools are part of the Grand Rapids Public School District in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The program provides:

• A supportive learning environment with academic instruction, tutoring and advising
• Individualized support and encouragement for all students
• A challenging curriculum in a small, supportive setting designed to evaluate and strengthen student reading, study skills, and problem solving skills
• An intensive six week Summer Residential Program with academic, cultural and social activities
• College campus tours
• Cultural field trips in and out-of-state
• Offer assistance in the search for financial aid and scholarships, as well as support in completing the college application and admissions process

Josh Brandsen

he/him/his
Upward Bound Grand Rapids Director & Senior Director for TRIO Pre-College Programs

Josh Brandsen currently serves as the Director of the TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids program and Senior Director for TRIO Pre-College Programs. He is a first-generation college student, Laker for a Lifetime, and double graduate of Grand Valley State University: Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics with an emphasis in Secondary Education in 2004 and Master of Education in 2009.

Josh has over 20 years of experience working with the GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids program and has a passion for educational equity. He loves being part of the UB family and assisting UB students reach their goals of higher education. He also voluntarily serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan TRIO association (MI-CAPP). 

Josh is married to Suzanne Brandsen, lives on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, and is part of Madison Square Church. He enjoys spending time with family, traveling, biking, and swimming in Lake Michigan.

Office Address: 370C DEV 
Phone: (616) 331-3144
Email: [email protected]

Bonnie Jaracz

she/her/hers
Assistant Director for TRIO Pre-College Programs

Bonnie Jaracz currently serves as the Assistant Director for TRIO Pre-College Programs. She began her professional career at Grand Rapids Community College, which first sparked her passion for serving students and supporting their goals of post-secondary education.

Bonnie is a first-generation, non-traditional student, completing an Associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College, and a Bachelors of Liberal Studies, Organizational Management & Leadership, at Grand Valley State University. 

In her free time Bonnie enjoys reading, floral design, traveling up north, and spending time with her husband, children, and one very energetic pup, Axe.
 

Office Address: 366C DEV
Phone: (616) 331-3144
Email: [email protected]

Yessenia Aguillion

she/her/hers 
Program Coordinator

Yessenia Aguillon currently serves as the Program Coordinator for TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids. She received her Associate’s Degree from Grand Rapids Community College and then furthered her studies at Grand Valley State University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies.

Yessenia is a TRIO Alumni and believes in the importance of helping and advocating for first-generation, low income students like herself. Yessenia has many passions, one of which she hopes to continue on with her education into law school and study immigration law.

In her free time, Yessenia enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and traveling.

Office Address: 368C DEV
Phone: (616) 331-3144
Email: [email protected]

Graciela Ramirez

she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Melisa Ramirez

she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Evalyn Vazquez

she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Jonatan Centeno

he/him/his
Tutor

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Lidia Ramirez-Molina

she/her/hers
Tutor

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Adriana Rios

she/her/hers
Tutor

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Alex Robles Vazquez

he/him/his
Tutor

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*

Giselle Vazquez

she/her/hers
Tutor

*TRIO UB GR Alumni*